The Briefing Room
General Category => Health/Education => Topic started by: PeteS in CA on August 15, 2023, 03:17:12 pm
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'Useless' Organ That Doctors Often Remove May Actually Fight Cancer
https://www.sciencealert.com/useless-organ-that-doctors-often-remove-may-actually-fight-cancer (https://www.sciencealert.com/useless-organ-that-doctors-often-remove-may-actually-fight-cancer)
There's a small fatty gland that sits behind your sternum and is often said to be 'useless' in adulthood.
A recent retrospective study, however, suggests the thymus gland is not nearly as expendable as experts once thought.
US researchers found that those who get their thymus removed face an increased risk of death from any cause later in life.
They also face an increased risk of developing cancer.
While not definitive proof the thymus helps the body fight cancer, the research does demonstrate that further research is needed. Stepping back, it's funny how the several glands and organs once thought to be "vestigial" remnants from evolution have actually turned out to have useful/valuable functions. It's almost as if "settled science" is not, and our knowledge is very limited.
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later